Nigerian and Italian governments have commenced talks on areas of possible cooperation in solid minerals development for the mutual benefits of the two countries.
Kayode Fayemi, minister of solid minerals development, disclosed this to journalists after a meeting with Fulvio Rustico, Italian ambassador to Nigeria, who paid him a courtesy visit in Abuja.
More local and foreign investors are being encouraged to invest in the Nigeria’s solid minerals in the bid to realise government’s plan to diversify the economy and create jobs opportunities through the sector, Fayemi said.
Fayemi however noted that the ministry would not compromise standard but strictly adhere to the laid down rules, especially the Nigerian Mining and Minerals Act 2007, in its dealing with investors.
Nigeria and Italy have an excellent relationship that spanned decades, the Italian ambassador, speaking at the meeting, said, while congratulating the minister on the assumption of office.
He also pointed out that though Italy remained Nigeria’s number two partner in Africa, it was looking forward to having even a closer relation with Nigeria in all fields, adding that solid minerals development, which is one of the top priorities of the present government, was top on the list.
The minister of state for solid minerals, Abubakar Bwari, was also in attendance at the meeting.
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